Clarence “Swannie” Swanson

Clarence "Swannie" Swanson, 77, of Redridge and formerly of East Jordan, died on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at his winter home in Yuma, Ariz.

A memorial service will be given at a later date.

He was born on Dec. 13, 1929, in Freda, the son of Walfred and Anna (Allen) Swanson.

On April 19, 1952, he married Mary Bolday in Royal Oak. She preceded him in death on June 29, 1989.

Clarence worked as a heavy equipment operator doing road construction for most of his life.

In 1971, he purchased the Rainbow Bar in East Jordan and continued to own and operate it until his retirement in 1981.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, the East Jordan Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, Lions Club and served as an East Jordan firefighter. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Boyne City and Rochester, Mich.

Advertisement

He enjoyed working crossword puzzles, traveling and spending time with his family.

He is survived by one son, Daniel Swanson, of East Jordan; three daughters, Bette (Dennis) Mingay of Marquette, Teri (Lance) Jones of East Jordan and Joan (David) Burch of East Grand Rapids; special dear friend, Beverly Lehto, of Redridge; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Viola (Robert) Johnson, of Cedarburg. Wis.

Clarence was also preceded in death by one daughter, Patricia Swanson, in 1985; one brother, Eldon Swanson; and one sister, Lucille Morin.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the East Jordan Fire Department.

The family was served by the Penzien Funeral Homes Inc., in East Jordan.